Trestles: Historic place? Historic treasure?

Supporters say Trestles is a world-class wave, and San Onofre beaches fostered surf culture in a rustic setting that still exists. "Given its location at the southern end of Orange County and the northern boundary of San Diego County, two of the most populated counties in the state, it is vitally important that this stretch of coastline be recognized and preserved for its historical and continuing contributions to the sport of surfing and beach culture in Southern California," the Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club said in its endorsement.

"This area is invaluable," wrote Gary Stellern, 78, describing himself as a longtime Malibu Surfing Association member. "Please help us protect it forever."

THE NAVY'S TAKE

"Trestles is not the sole example – or even the best example – of a property type important in illustrating the historic context of surfing in the United States," the Navy's response to the nomination said.

Many beaches have legions of support for status as prime surf venues including "Surf City USA" Huntington Beach and Santa Cruz, the Navy said, also listing Blacks Beach of La Jolla, Cape Hatteras, N.C., and the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

"Trestles, on the other hand, while considered a good surfing location (mentioned in the Beach Boys' song 'Surfin' U.S.A,') is listed without any reference to national uniqueness and appears to be just one of hundreds of such relative nondescript good surfing beaches around the U.S.," the Navy wrote.

ORANGE COUNTY'S VIEW

County supervisors voted Oct. 2 to oppose the nomination on advice from a county staff report that said the designation "could impact our Marines training efforts now or in the future." John Moorlach, chairman of the board, sent a letter of opposition to the state together with 17-page paper that county staff said was "written by staff and attorneys at Transportation Corridor Agencies." The TCA sought for years to extend the 241 Toll Road – which now ends at Oso Parkway – to I-5 at San Onofre as part of Orange County's Master Plan of Arterial Highways.

The report describes Trestles as not exceptionally important to surf history compared with other beaches. "The 8.5 miles of uninterrupted beaches in Huntington Beach, Calif., is known as 'Surf City USA,'" the paper says, "a place where the quintessential mild and mellow California beach culture that made the state famous still perseveres," with beaches that feature "the most consistent waves on the West Coast." Malibu, the paper says, was "a surf-culture hothouse and the center for much of the advancement in surfing performance and board design from the 1940s to 1960s."

By contrast, "Trestles was simply an out-of-the-way surf spot that some notable surfers frequented on occasion," the paper says, adding: "Is surfing important in American history? The answer is no."

The paper says that the wooden trestle for which Trestles is named was recently rebuilt in concrete, and paved paths also have altered the proposed historic district. The report also cites the Navy's efforts to enhance a railroad underpass within the area to allow bigger tactical vehicles to move from the beach to inland training areas on the base.

WHERE IT STANDS

In July, the Navy's preservation officer rejected California's nomination of Trestles and refused to submit it, saying it didn't meet criteria. The state appealed to the keeper of the National Register, who in September sided with the state and allowed the nomination to proceed.

At 9 a.m. Feb. 8 at Secretary of State Auditorium in Sacramento, the State Historical Resources Commission will consider forwarding the nomination to the feds.

Related Links

This 1938 photo shows some of the regulars who grew up surfing the San Onofre breaks. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Courtesy of San Onofre Surfing Club
An aerial view taken August 18, 2010 shows Trestles Beach, one of America's most popular surf destinations. JEBB HARRIS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
An Amtrak Surfliner train passes over the new $8M railroad bridge at Trestles as surfers hit the beach, May 14, 2012. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. JOSHUA SUDOCK, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Brett Simpson of Huntington Beach, makes his way along the face of a wave during the Nike Lowers Pro at Lowers Trestles in San Clemente, May 2, 2012. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register
Surfers hang out at "the shack" at San Onofre in this 1949 photo. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Courtesy of San Onofre Surfing Club
'Nofre surfers line up for an "I Was There" shot in the 1940's. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Photograph by Doc Ball; Courtesy of California Surf Museum
The San Onofre Beach Camp parking pass was printed in a different color each year to discourage duplication, but it always featured the same photograph of George 'Nellie BlyÃ Brignell in the center. This pass is the 1946 edition. Courtesy of California Surf Museum
The late great Duke Kahanamoku (standing in front of the surfboard), on a visit to San Onofre in the late 1940s. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Courtesy of San Onofre Surfing Club
Surfers begin their day and pass under the new $8M railroad bridge at Trestles, May 14, 2012. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. JOSHUA SUDOCK, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A fully loaded-down surfer crosses San Mateo Creek at Upper Trestles. The Surfrider Foundation hopes to get Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles and five other strands at San Onofre State Beach listed in the National Register of Historic Places. FILE: FRED SWEGLES, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Aerial photos from 2010 show the coastline along San Onfore State Park and Trestles. At left, San Mateo Creek comes through the valley with Cristianitos Road on the bluff above with the campground seen near the green field. San Clemente is to the left (north), Camp Pendleton is to the right (south). JEBB HARRIS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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